This from the PR last week: A captivating digital illustration portraying a personal experience of Crohn’s disease has been selected as the overall winner for the 2017 Wellcome Image Awards. It is one of 22 winning images selected to reward and showcase the best in science image making.
Stickman – The Vicissitudes of Crohn’s (Resolution) is a striking computer-generated image which conveys the physical and emotional experience of Crohn’s disease, a chronic condition caused by inflammation of the digestive system. It is part of a series incorporating Stickman, the alter ego of illustrator Spooky Pooka (Oliver Burston), who suffers from Crohn’s disease. Stickman’s skeletal body references the weight loss, frailty and abrupt, transformative nature of Crohn’s.
Fergus Walsh, BBC Medical Correspondent and member of the judging panel said: “This image is a stunning representation of what it must be like to have Crohn’s disease and it’s like nothing I’ve seen before in terms of the portrayal of someone’s condition: it conveys the pain and torment the sufferer must go through. The image really resonates and is beautifully composed: it’s a haunting piece.”
Catherine Draycott, Head of Wellcome Images and chair of the judging panel added: “This image instantly stands out: its dark style and stark contrast are really striking. This representation of Crohn’s draws the viewer in and gives a unique insight into the raw pain experienced and expressed by this talented artist.”